Concerns of Gorkha Community

• 04 Apr 2025

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a meeting in New Delhi with key representatives of the Gorkha community, aimed at addressing their long-pending concerns. 

Who are the Gorkhas? 

• About: The Gorkhas (also spelled Gurkhas) are a martial community originating from Nepal, known for their bravery, loyalty, and fierce fighting skills. 
  • The Gorkhas trace their name from the Gorkha Kingdom in western Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah (1743–75), a Gorkha king, unified Nepal and expanded the Gorkha power. 
• Ethnicity: Gorkhas are not a single ethnic group but include several ethnicities like Gurungs, Magars, Rais, Limbus, and others from the hilly regions of Nepal. 
• Gorkha Regiments: Their reputation as fierce warriors led them to serve in various armies especially the British, Indian, and Nepalese armies. 
  • After the Anglo-Nepal War (1814-1816), also known as the Gorkha War, the British recruited them Gorkha into the British Army.  
  • The Gorkha regiment has been part of the Indian Army since 1815, following the Anglo-Nepal War. 

What are the Concerns of Gorkhas? 

• Demand for Gorkhaland: The demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland encompassing Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars has been at the core of Gorkha identity politics since the 1980s. 
  • Gorkha leaders believe that statehood would provide political recognition, cultural autonomy, and administrative empowerment. 
  • Gorkhas seek constitutional and cultural recognition within India, including protection of their language, customs, and distinct ethnic identity. 
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status: Several Gorkha communities such as Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Tamang, and others have been demanding ST status for decades. 
  • This recognition would enable social justice, educational opportunities, and affirmative action benefits. 
  • Despite repeated assurances by the Centre, the process has seen no meaningful progress. 
• Agnipath scheme: India’s Agnipath scheme, which offers only four years of service with no pension unless retained, raising fears of job insecurity among Nepali Gorkhas.  
  • Nepal views this as a violation of the 1947 tripartite agreement that ensured permanent service and pension benefits.  
• Geopolitical Tensions: Additionally, geopolitical tensions have emerged, with reports (like Observer Research Foundation)  suggesting China’s interest in recruiting Gorkhas. Diplomatic resolution remains pending, with hopes resting on high-level talks between India and Nepal. 

Read more: 1947 Tripartite Agreement on Gurkha soldiers 

Drishti Mains Question:

Analyze the historical and cultural evolution of the Gorkha community in India.